After the performance of “The Crucifixion,” Spohr and Mr. Taylor were travelling outside the coach to London, when the former expressed a wish to write another oratorio for Norwich, but said that he was at a loss for a subject. Mr. Taylor then suggested The Fall of Babylon. This led to a chat about the effects which might be introduced in the way of contrast, &c., and ultimately Spohr promised to write the oratorio if Taylor on his part would write the words. The bargain was struck, and the result was a work which will live to the end of time. The Festival of 1842 was by far the most brilliant that had been held. Of course Dr. Spohr’s “Fall of Babylon” was the chief attraction. It was performed in the presence of the largest and most fashionable audience ever seen in St. Andrew’s Hall. Numbers of the gentry could not obtain admission. People stood under the long galleries, and along the passages, and in every corner of the building. The performance was a splendid success, and greatly added to the fame of the composer. Professor Taylor translated the Libretto, and was the conductor of the Oratorio. On the following day he conducted the performance of Handel’s Oratorio of “Samson,” to which he added selections from Handel’s works. This caused a good deal of adverse criticism, but it was not without precedent. On Friday morning the Professor conducted a performance of Handel’s “Messiah.” The Festival of 1845 commenced on Tuesday evening, September 16th, and continued on the 17th, 18th, and 19th. The programme included miscellaneous concerts on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings; a selection of sacred music, and Haydn’s Oratorio “The Seasons,” on Wednesday morning; another selection of sacred music, and Spohr’s Oratorio “Calvary,” on Thursday morning; and Handel’s sacred Oratorio “Messiah,” with additional accompaniments by Mozart, on Friday morning. All the concerts were well attended. The principal vocalists were Madame Grisi, Miss Dolby, Madame Caradori Allan, Miss Poole, Signor Mario, Signor F. Lablache, Mr. Hobbs, Mr. Machin, Mr. Hawkins, Mr. Bradbury, and Herr Staudigl. Mr. Benedict was conductor; Mr. J. Hill, chorus master; Mr. F. Cooke, leader of the band; Mr. Turle, organist. The chorus comprised the usual number of voices. The band included the best instrumentalists in England, and the festival was very successful.